Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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      • Shuttle
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • Portage River Water Trail
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
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One complex, lots to see!

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​The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex
 lies on the southern shore of Lake Erie between the cities of Toledo and Port Clinton, Ohio. The complex consists of three refuges and two divisions. These refuges total approximately 10,000 acres and are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge  System.

The refuge has marshes, open water, wooded wetlands, coastal wetlands, shrublands, grasslands, cropland and an estuary. The complex provides a home for a wide variety of plant and animal species as well as a critical migratory bird resting area. The refuge staff strives to maintain a diversity of habitats to support the flora and fauna reminiscent of the area's early history.

Visitor Information

Ottawa NWR

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 15 miles east of Toledo, Ohio on the south shore of Lake Erie. It can be accessed by traveling east from Toledo on St. Rt. 2. The refuge entrance is one mile east of the junction of St. Rt. 590 and St. Rt. 2. Turn left into the refuge and follow the signs to the refuge headquarters or the hiking trails.

The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 9AM to 4PM. The trails are open from dawn to dusk.
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Satellite Properties
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 Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge consists of 4,755 acres. It is managed for waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical migrant songbirds and other animal and plant species.  In 2000 the refuge was declared an Important Bird Area by the American Bird Conservancy.  In 2001 the Lake Erie Marshes, including the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, were designated a Regional Shorebird Reserve in the Western Hemisphere   Shorebird Reserve Network. In 2007 the refuge was declared an Important Bird Area by Ohio Audubon.

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge includes nearby Darby and Navarre Divisions. The Navarre Marsh unit is about five miles east of the refuge around the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The Darby Marsh Division is located on the western edge of Port Clinton, approximately ten miles east of the refuge. Access to both divisions is by permit only.

Take a Virtual Tour!

Ottawa NWR Trail & Wildlife Drive Map

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West Sister Island

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You may have heard about "Vomit Island" from popular TV series Dirty Jobs.  Host Mike Rowe highlighted this protected area during a special trip with scientists to band herons. West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge sits nine miles off shore of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Lake Erie. President Franklin D. Roosevelt established West Sister Island in 1937 "as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife..." and it was specifically designated to protect the largest wading bird nesting colony on the U.S. Great Lakes. In January 1975, 77 acres of the 82 acre island were designated as a wilderness, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Access is by permit only.

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Cedar Point NWR

In 1964, the property at Little Cedar Point, named for the cedar trees growing on its northern tip, was donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and became Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge. The property included the old Cedar Point Shooting Club house, shown below. ​Cedar Point NWR consists of 2,445 acres, the largest contiguous marsh on Lake Erie. Access to Cedar Point NWR is by permit only.
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Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014 x13
friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Refuge Challenges
    • Recent Sightings
    • Visitor Center
    • Kids Corner
    • Wildlife Drive
    • Endangered Wildlife
    • Endangered Plants
    • Research >
      • Bald Eagle Updates
      • West Sister Island Rookery
      • Blanding's Turtles
    • Gallery >
      • Most Memorable Moments
      • Photos by Friends
    • Wildlife Observation & Birding Tips
    • Timing of Bird Migration
    • Spring Birding Spots
    • Fishing and Hunting Information
    • Refuge Staff
    • EV Charging Station
    • Barn Quilt Trail
    • Know Your Signs
    • National Wildlife Refuge System
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Friends History
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events >
      • Spring Migration
      • Chili Cookoff
      • Photography Contest
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Shuttle
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • Portage River Water Trail
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
      • Visitor Center Fishing Access
    • Recent Accomplishments
    • Carrying on a Legacy
  • HOW TO HELP
    • Donate
    • License Plate
    • Become a Member
    • Employer Match
    • Wheels for Wetlands
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Federal Duck Stamp Program
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Portal
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Conservation at Home
    • Say No to Balloon Releases
  • Shop